Big Bay at Bloubergstrand will be the venue for South Africa’s most prestigious junior surfing series, when the third stop on the five-event R220 000 Billabong Junior Series is staged there next week.
While the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain and the fun beach-break waves remain constant, from Thursday to Sunday next weekend the vastly-revamped beach infrastructure will host hundreds of the country’s top surfers aged 20 and under.
After the first two events held in KwaZulu Natal, Capetonians head the ratings in the premier Pro Junior (U20) girls division, where Tarryn Chudleigh will be determined to extend her lead at the top of the standings, and to move closer to claiming the coveted Australian-based Billabong ASP World Junior Champs invitation.
Despite the country’s burgeoning female surfing scene, Chudleigh has reigned supreme this year, winning both the opening series events, but there are dozens of contenders who can still take title, the R3 500 pay cheque and the 1 000 ratings points that go to the winner.
With chief rival Nikita Robb electing to stay in Europe after the ISA World Junior Champs currently underway in Portugal, Chudleigh’s main opposition will come from Melkbos local Chantelle Rautenbach, and the 13 year-old standouts Sarah Baum (Athlone Park, KZN) and Bianca Buitendag (George).
The year’s surprise package Heidi Palmboom has excelled competing against the boys in the U14 division this year, and will be determined to pounce on any mistake by division leader Michael February.
The event also features the popular Von Zipper Air Show award, attracting entries for the best new-school aerial manoeuvre to take home R1 800.
Also up for grabs is the Kustom award for the top local girl, and the highly-prized Zigzag ‘Blowing Up’ award of R1 000, along with its unique replica hand grenade trophy at each event.
The Billabong Junior Series is sanctioned by Surfing South Africa (SSA) and proudly supported by First National Bank, Palmers, Kustom, Von Zipper, Red Bull and Silver Bullet Productions.
The 2007 series started at St Mikes in February followed by Durban (March 29-April 1) and after Cape Town (May 17-20) visits Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape (August 9-12) before wrapping up in the legendary surf Mecca of Jeffreys Bay (September 21-24) where the 11th annual series champions will be crowned.
Entry forms and further information on the Billabong Junior Series, including profiles of the top performers, can be found at the Billabong website.
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